Question

Comment on the applicability of mean, median and mode (hint: from their merits and demerits).

Answer 1

1. Mean:

1. It is the simplest among all the measures of central tendency.
2. It is based on all the items in a series. Hence, it is a representative value of different items.
3. It is a value. It has no scope for estimated values.
4. It is a stable form of central tendency.
5. It can be used for comparison.

2. Median:

1. Median is not affected by the extreme values of the series.
2. For finding the median, only the middle values and their units are sufficient.
3. Median can also be determined through the graphic representation of data.
4. The median value is always certain in a series.
5. The median value is a real value.

3. Mode:

1. Mode is a very simple measure of central tendency.
2. It is less affected by extreme and marginal values.
3. Mode is the best representation of the series.
4. It can also be determined graphically.